What does integrity cost?

Proverbs 17:26It is wrong to punish the godly for being good or to flog leaders for being honest.

Proverbs 29:27The righteous despise the unjust; the wicked despise the godly.

Isaiah 59:14-15Our courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed. Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who renounces evil is attacked. The Lord looked and was displeased to find there was no justice.

Amos 5:10How you hate honest judges! How you despise people who tell the truth!

Our integrity may bring enemies who hate us for wanting to do what is right and for exposing what is wrong. This may lead to insults, ridicule, or even unjust punishment because of our integrity. The earthly cost of integrity, however, is worth the eternal reward.